Biozone 1000 Air Purifier ReviewBiozone Scientific sells a range of commercial and residential air purifiers, including the Biozone 1000. Despite the science marketing hype, the Biozones are oxidizers almost exclusively. There are no filters to collect particles on the 1000, which is intended for residential and small business applications. Biozone's 1000 model is sold in Eurozone markets as the Biozone 90. Low Powered 1000 Biozones are tiny machines, measuring 10.5 inches wide by 10.5 inches high and 4.5 inches deep. The one-thousand weighs just 6 pounds. In fairness, some competing machines, like the Ecoquests, house similarly under-sized components in large, mostly empty cabinets to justify much higher prices. Some vendor sites mention "Clean Air Delivery Rate" (CADR) figures for the 1000. This is not correct, there is no AHAM certified CADR for any of the Biozones. I have seen a flow rate of 27 cubic feet per minute quoted for the 1000. This is very weak airflow, and is consistent with the small fan and small round grill on the rear of the air purifier where air is drawn in. The "1000" refers to the maximum recommended room size. I consider this room-size inflation to be typical ozone-machine marketing. Ozone emissions from this purifier will oxidize and mask odors in a space that large, but this is not complete air purification. Biozone's four air cleaning methods are ultraviolet light (UV), hydroxyl radicals, "active oxygen" (buzzword for ozone), and negative ions. UltravioletThe core of Biozone's four air purification methods is ultraviolet light. They have employed an unusual UV lamp which has emissions in the deep-UV (short wavelength) with two frequency peaks - 184.9 nanometers (nm) and 254 nm. The 185 nm UV wavelength creates "photolitic" ozone. 254 nm wavelengths are traditional germicidal UV. The 10-watt "high intensity" ultraviolet light is modestly powered. Despite the heavy techno-speak marketing, Biozone Scientific reveals few details concerning the power and dosage of the 1000 product. UV dosage is properly measured, and quoted, in Microwatts per second/per square centimeter. It is the product of lamp intensity and dwell (exposure) time. Consumers considering an ultraviolet air purifier should review my UV page: UV air purifier basics. PhotoCatalytic Oxidation (PCO) in the BiozonesBiozone 1000 has a photocatalytic plate, the catalyst coating is made of standard titanium dioxide - TiO2. Buyers considering photocatalytic air purifiers should read my page; PhotoCatalytic Air Purifier Basics. The PCO process uses UV energy to excite electrons on the surface of a thin layer catalyst into forming free radical oxidizers. Organic molecules are cut at bond sites, decomposing toxic and odor causing chemicals. PCO will reduce unpleasant odors, gas-phase pollutants, and kill microorganisms moving through the UV chamber. Biozones Make PhotoplasmaUltraviolet radiation focused below 280 nanometer wavelengths makes an ionized gas cloud called cold gas plasma. Ions and electrons disassociate in the gas, which has oxidizer and germicidal capabilities. Hydroxyl radicals and singlet oxygen are formed - very strong oxidizers. These can travel a short distance from the Biozone air purifier, but do not fill the entire room as implied by marketing literature. These agents have very short half-lives, decaying in less than one second. Despite Biozone's hocus-pocus marketing, hydroxyl radical oxidation is a very effective method of air purification, as proven in the Sharp Plasmacluster air purifiers. Biological, chemical, and ultra-fine particle pollutants can be eliminated by these oxidants. Larger particulate will be unaffected. Biozone OzoneUV radiation causes Oxygen, normally grouped in twos, to form three atom molecules called ozone. Ozone is a powerful oxidizer. Like the hydroxyl radicals, ozone will attack airborne pollutants very effectively. But unlike the hydroxyls, ozone does not decay away in split seconds. Ozone is a very persistent oxidizer, it accumulates in indoor air. See Ozone in Air Purification for background on the subtle dangers of inappropriate ozone use. Ozone, and the Biozone air cleaners, are controversial. Government regulation is closing in on the ozone issue. Standards have coalesced around the old .050 parts per million health devices rule. Sales are restricted in California. Ozone has valid uses as an air purifier using one-time shock treatments, and, I believe, as an alternative medical therapy. But ozone is NOT suitable for routine daily use as a household air purifier. Biozone claims its "SafeZone" UV ozone generation method renders this issue moot by limiting emissions. Here the science jargon and nature imagery get very intense, and actual facts get real scarce. Ozone emissions and accumulation are subject to real scientific measurements. Few are provided. Numerous user forum quotes suggest the buildup of ozone when Biozones are used continuously: "people in the house have complained Every air purifier vendor with any ozone emissions is using the words "safe" and "ozone" in close juxtaposition nowadays. Ozone-safe, SafeZone, Safe levels of Ozone. NOT! Sure, the government sets exposure limits on many toxins, always close to whatever industrial exposures already exist. A good example is Tuna fish, where water-borne Mercury contamination is a global problem. Every few years, government standards for Mercury in Tuna are raised. Why? Because every year Mercury levels rise. The standards merely determine which batches of fish are declared too contaminated for human consumption. Time to feed the cat. You aren't still eating Tuna and Swordfish, are you? Most ozone air purifiers use the electrical arc "corona discharge" method of ozone creation. Corona discharge generates oxides of nitrogen and other impurities which create additional dangers and make them unsuitable as alternative medical tools. Biozone asserts their UV method of ozone generation does not create these additional byproducts. This is what makes the Biozones potentially safer than other ozone emitting products.
Secondly, Biozone 1000 ozone production rate is cited as 1800 ug/hr (micrograms per hour). Multiplying this by 1000 yields 1.8 milligrams/hr, very light ozone output.
Negative IonsThe ion effect and controversy is treated in detail on my page; Ionizer Air Purifiers. Biozone's final stage of air treatment is negative ions. These ions electrostatically flocculate airborne particles, clumping them together until they are heavy enough to fall to the floor. It is illegal to advertise the reputed health benefits of negative ions, which cannot be patented. Therefore they are marketed as air purifiers. I am a big fan of negative ions for health purposes, but they do not compare to HEPA filters for particulate removal. Only the tiniest particles, .001 micron infinitesimals, will be destroyed by the 1000's oxidizers. Negative ions do not destroy particles. Ionized particles fall to the floor, carpet, and horizontal surfaces in the room, they are not trapped and removed. Feet and air currents will stir them up as soon as the electrostatic charge wears off.
Oxidation Safety IssuesBiozone marketing literature asserts: "Powerful purifying agents are circulated throughout the room" This one is actually true. Radicals and ozone are indeed powerful oxidizing agents, and ozone certainly circulates throughout the room. This type oxidizer is a very effective way to remove odors and chemicals when left running long enough in a properly sized room. Short exposure or too large an area may result in partially-oxidized byproducts being generated. This is especially important where aldehydes (formaldehyde, acetaldehyde) and other volatile organic compounds are being attacked. With all oxidative air cleaners, intermediate by-products are created. This is why I recommend oxidizers be sized very conservatively. A machine too weak for the load will spew partially oxidized chemicals. The company, likely on advice of counsel, warns users not to install the 1000 in too small a room. Contrary to Biozone's advice, I recommend over installing this type machine - putting it in only small, vacant rooms. NO LIVING THINGS SHOULD BE PRESENT while the Biozone 1000 purifier runs on its highest setting. The room should be closed, as should the AC ducts, while the oxidizer is running, and thoroughly ventilated after. If this sounds alarmist, try this experiment. Place a small house plant in the exhaust stream of any oxidizer air purifier. My Sharp (hydroxyl-radical oxidizer) FPN60CX will absolutely destroy a small potted plant in 48 hours. With ozone emissions, the death time will be closer to 24 hours. But the Sharp is pollutant sensor controlled, making hydroxyls only in response to airborne chemicals or scents. A purple light and pollutant indicator warn the user when oxidants are working. Using the remote, I switch my Sharp to safe mode so no oxidizers are created when I am in the room. This is infinitely safer than the Biozones' manually controlled all-on-or-off method.
Biozone 1000 UtilityThe Biozone one-thousand's three-speed fan is reported virtually silent in user forums. Some have mentioned the air purifier out-gassing a "plastic smell" when breaking in. The machine is small and light enough to fit almost anywhere - a video on youtube.com shows one on top of a refrigerator. 1000 biozone can easily be moved from room to room as suggested here. Electric current is stepped down to 12v DC, and Biozone is extremely energy frugal, drawing just 800 milliamps through the external adapter. Biozone calls this "Safe Volt" - it is indeed safer than 110 and especially 220 volt AC systems. The 1000 can be used in other countries simply by changing to a different plug-in adapter. MaintenanceBiozone 1000s have no costly filters to replace.
But filterless is not necessarily free. Bulbs may last longer without going dark, but annual UV lamp replacements are required to maintain purifying power. Users who wait for the lamp to go dark will usually have to replace the fuse as well. At $39.95, the 8 inch 50% lamp part number 13-3500, should be the only cost of ownership. Used intermittently along with a HEPA machine, as suggested here, the lamp could last 2 years, giving a very low overall cost of ownership. If the home is kept at low particulate levels with HEPA air cleaners, the Biozone will seldom need to be cleaned. In dusty environments the rear intake grille's holes will accumulate dust, degrading throughput. UV bulbs must be kept clean to work properly. Tobacco environments will require vigilance to keep any air purifier functioning. Eventually the fan and interior will build up dust and require disassembly for cleaning. On some of the larger Biozones, Biozone scientific has added prefilter screens to the outside of the rear intake grille to intercept dust. Biozone ModelsBiozone Scientific makes a complete lineup of residential and commercial air cleaners. In addition to the 1000, Biozones are offered in 500, 2000, and 3000 square foot sizes. All Biozones are based on the same design, with larger components in the more powerful models. If used as suggested here, the larger models will be overkill for residential applications.
Biozone ScientificConsumers should not confuse Biozone Scientific with the similar sounding BiOzone Corporation, an ozone generator company out of Englewood, Colorado. Initially incorporated in 1996 as BioAire International, Inc., the company was renamed Biozone Scientific in 1999. In 2004, Finland's Infosto Group bought a majority interest in Biozone Scientific, accumulating 85% of the privately held shares. Ari Ahola, of Infosto, is Chairman. Biozones' world headquarters is in a suburb of Helsinki, Finland. The company has global ambitions, with U.S. offices Orlando, Florida, and operations in Hong Kong, China. A global distributor network includes many internet vendors.
BioZone Scientific International, Inc. The 1000 says "Made in USA" on the back, but components are likely outsourced. Biozones are covered by a 3-year warranty, with 1 year pro-rated on the UV bulb. Warranty coverage is contingent on annual bulb replacements using genuine Biozone parts. ConclusionsSo what is the verdict on Biozone 1000? Because it lacks particle filtration, I recommend Biozone 1000 ONLY as an adjunct to a decent HEPA air purifier, not as the first or only air cleaner in the household. However, if used as prescribed here, the Biozone can safely displace more expensive carbon chemical filters, cutting total long term costs. Left running in closed, vacant rooms, for 24 hours or longer, the Biozones will safely reduce odors, microorganisms, and chemical vapors. What applications are suitable? Those with environmental illness, from allergies through Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, may find the little oxidizers useful. Chemically sensitive folks will need to completely evacuate 100% of remaining ozone before using the room. Many smokers buy these, claiming clearer air after smoking. Again, the 1000 by Biozone does not remove particulate, a considerable portion of the tobacco burden. While commercial services offering ozone shock treatments for smoke property damage remediation are widely available, the Biozone offers do-it-yourselfers a cheap method of removing third-hand-smoke residuals after the smoker is gone. Small businesses with odor issues will have many rooms where a Biozone 1000 could be used overnight. Rather than buying a dedicated automotive air purifier, put the Biozone air purifier in the car overnight. Buyers considering the very expensive Ecoquest and its imitators - despite my advice to avoid them - could save a bundle by choosing Biozone. Biozone's system beats the high cost and continuing maintenance of ozone-based air cleaners using fast corroding corona discharge plates. Another target is the dedicated air sterilizer market, where very slow acting germicidal machines could be replaced by intermittent use of the Biozone, again when the room is unoccupied. There is evidence that Biozone is having difficulty maintaining their broad product line in these difficult times. Many others, notably Honeywell and Whirlpool, have experienced this as well, dropping many models. Several vendor websites mention supply problems; "... No Longer Sells Biozone Purifiers Biozone 1000 has a suggested retail price of $419.95, but may sell for as little as half that in eBay auctions. Asking prices of $249.95 to $289.95 are typical at web vendors, with "sales" prices as low as $224.95. At those prices, it isn't much more expensive than a couple replacement carbon filters for a premium HEPA/Carbon air purifier. You can find the Biozone 1000 at Amazon.com. Biozone 1000 Review: RatingEach of ten factors gets up to 10 points, 100 is perfect and very unlikely. 1. First do no harm; minimal out gassing, no ozone. Score: 5 of 10, every vendor who cannot certify their product as ozone-free says their ozone levels are "safe." 2. Serious gas and odor removal is a requirement if health benefits are expected: Units with real carbon VOC capability rank higher. Score: 9 of 10, 1000 is targeted at odor and gas-phase pollutants. 3. Quality construction; case, gaskets, seals, and precision fitting eliminate bypassing and assure high efficiency at filtering sub-micron particles. Score: 9 of 10, good quality, sturdy product. 4. The design maximizes the lifespan of each filter stage by allowing independent filter replacement. Ideally this is combined with electronic filter monitoring. Score: 10 of 10, only the UV bulb is replaced. 5. Unit has long filter life, low maintenance requirements, and reasonable operating costs. Score: 10 of 10, cheaper to own than replacing carbon filters for odor. 6. Purifier produces low noise levels and meaningful air flow rates relative to noise. Score: 10 of 10, reported very quiet. 7. Manufacturer has a track record, with many units in the field and a reputation for supporting what they sell. Warranty period and average service life are long. Score: 7 of 10, heavy science jargon and nature imagery marketing detract from corporate image. 8. Purifier is a value in terms of price/performance ratio. Score: 6 of 10, Biozones are a value at current discounts, be sure not to pay full suggested retail. Points deducted for lack of particle filtering. 9. No dirt; unit and manufacturer should be devoid of class-action suits, high returns, recalls, consumer complaints, and legitimate negative consumer reviews. Score: 8 of 10, some rumors of instability on web. 10. Unit is stylish, portable, comfortable, and convenientfor consumer use. Score: 6 of 10, lack of sensor driven automated controls to restrict oxidizing to actual pollutant levels a large minus for Biozone 1000. Air-Purifier-Power Numeric Rating; 78. End Biozone 1000 Air Purifier Review, goto Home Page End Biozone 1000 Air Purifier Review, goto Sitemap |
Biozone 1000 |